Dwight Gayle left out against Rochdale

Steve Bruce had been considering handing the striker a start in this afternoon’s third-round FA Cup tie at Spotland.

However, Bruce has fielded Yoshinori Muto up front alongside Joelinton against the League One club.

And Gayle – who spent last season on loan at West Bromwich Albion – reportedly has a hamstring problem.

The 29-year-old – who is under contract until 2021 – has only made a handful of appearances this season.